Best Woods for Outdoor Furniture

When choosing wood for outdoor furniture, durability, rot resistance, and appearance matter most. Top picks, in order of affordability:

• Cedar: Lightweight, naturally repels insects, and resists rot. Warms up patio spaces but needs sealing or periodic oiling to maintain color.

• White oak: A domestic, durable option with good rot resistance when kept off the ground; more affordable than exotic hardwoods.

• Redwood: Stable, rot-resistant, and attractive grain. Best for a premium, classic look in mild climates.

• Teak: The gold standard. Extremely weather- and insect-resistant thanks to natural oils; weathers to a beautiful silver patina if left untreated. Minimal maintenance.

• Ipe (Brazilian walnut): Ultra-dense and long-lasting — excellent for decks and high-use pieces. Very hard, so more difficult to work with, but lasts decades.

Maintenance tip: even the best woods benefit from a coat of oil or sealant and periodic cleaning to prolong life and preserve color.